The Star Wars Disney+ series Andor loses its showrunner Tony Gilroy amid the Writer’s Strike in Hollywood. The WGA Strike has already created several headlines after it caused numerous popular projects to go to a halt. Recently after it was confirmed that Tony Gilroy has finished writing for the Star Wars show before the strike, a Guild member subjected him to severe backlash. Following that, now it is reported that Gilroy has also ceased all non-writing functions from Andor season 2.
The Disney+ series starred Diego Luna in the titular role of Cassian Andor and acted as the prequel to the highly acclaimed Rogue One movie. Similar to the movie, the series also garnered worldwide praise with some even considering it as the best Star Wars show yet.
Tony Gilroy shows support for the WGA Strike
The WGA Strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers for a pay rise is sure to have serious repercussions on the upcoming projects. The last time Hollywood witnessed a 100 days writer’s strike in 2007-2008, the industry reportedly incurred a loss of $2 billion.
Recently it was reported by Variety that the script of Andor Season 2 was locked before the strike. Soon Gilroy was called out by a Guild member and Deli Boys writer Abdullah Saeed who claimed the director of the Diego Luna show to be kicked out as he believed that the scripting wasn’t complete and it was a lie.
Abdullah Saeed stated:
“This is scabbing. There’s no way a writer/producer can ‘finish’ writing and begin solely producing. And if the scripts truly are finished, let’s see ’em. If there’s one word different in the finished product, kick Tony Gilroy out of the WGA.”
He added:
“One of the biggest writers in Hollywood could stand with his union and halt production on his hit show, thereby by forcing a major studio to consider WGA demands a little harder. Instead, he has chosen to be a SCAB! We all want Andor s2, but not at the cost of fairness to writers. #wgastrong”
The showrunner didn’t stay silent and as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Gilroy also ceased all production duties. He stated that the writing works were already discontinued before midnight of May 1 followed now by the production.
“I discontinued all writing and writing-related work on Andor prior to midnight, May 1. After being briefed on the Saturday showrunner meeting, I informed Chris Keyser at the WGA on Sunday morning that I would also be ceasing all non-writing producing functions.”
The co-chair of the WGA’s negotiating committee Chris Keyser also corroborated the report of his conversation with Gilroy. Even though Lucasfilm didn’t comment anything yet, Saeed posted again and thank Gilroy for his support of the Strike- “Wow. Thank you Tony Gilroy for halting production on @andorofficial. See you on the picket line!”
When can we expect Andor Season 2?
After the success of the first season, a significant part of Star Wars fans are excited for the next season of the action-adventure series. Andor provided quite a unique approach to the classic intergalactic franchise. The more darker and mature tonality garnered critical acclaim.
Season 2 is slated to be the concluding season and with a huge length of 12 episodes will directly link to Rogue One. But the Writer’s Strike will make sure to present a major obstacle on the path of the show. It will be interesting to see for how long the production is halted. Originally eyed for an August 2024 release, it will be interesting to look if the show takes more time to hit the streaming platform.
Andor can be streamed on Disney+.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
